A master’s in education can help teachers and education professionals take on bigger responsibilities, lead programs, and guide both students and staff. It builds the skills needed to manage classrooms, design effective learning experiences, and influence educational practices at higher levels.
Earning this degree online makes it possible to grow professionally without stepping away from your current role or moving to a different city. You can complete coursework around your schedule, applying new methods and strategies in your work as you learn.
Many online programs let you focus on the areas that matter most to you, such as educational leadership, special education, instructional technology, curriculum development, or early childhood education. Graduates often advance into roles like school leaders, curriculum specialists, instructional coaches, or consultants.
When choosing an online master’s in education, quality and fit matter more than convenience alone. The best programs combine strong faculty, relevant coursework, flexible delivery, and meaningful specializations that align with your career goals. Considering all these factors can be overwhelming, which is why we’ve compiled the list below.
This article presents ten of the top online master’s in education programs, highlighting what each offers, its specializations, and accreditation, so you can choose the right program for your career path.
Best Online Master’s in Education Programs
1. University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–Madison)
UW–Madison’s School of Education offers several fully online master’s programs, including an MS in Educational Psychology (Learning Analytics), an MS for K‑12 educators, a Principal Preparation program, and a Master’s in Sports Leadership.
Students in the Learning Analytics track learn to interpret educational data to boost student achievement and address equity. The Principal Preparation program (WIPP) is cohort-based and runs in 15 months, meeting mostly on weekends and over the summer, so working educators can participate.
The Sports Leadership master’s program draws on UW’s strong athletic and academic resources to build leadership in school sports and beyond. UW–Madison places roughly No. 3 on U.S. News for Best Online Master’s in Education. UW–Madison is regionally accredited, and its education programs are well respected.
2. University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign (UIUC)
UIUC’s online Master of Education (Ed.M.) is designed for working professionals who want to deepen their understanding of teaching, learning, and leadership. The program requires 32 credit hours, with courses delivered fully online in 8-week terms.
Students choose from several specializations, including Curriculum & Instruction, Digital Learning, and Bilingual/Bicultural Education. The structure is flexible, with synchronous sessions that promote real engagement while allowing you to study around your schedule.
According to UIUC, its online M.Ed. program is ranked No. 3 by U.S. News. UIUC is regionally accredited, and its education college is recognized for high-quality online educator preparation.
3. Michigan State University (MSU)
MSU offers two notable online master’s programs in education. First is the Master of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET), a 30-credit program that helps educators lead in integrating technology into learning.
Courses are mostly asynchronous, though two-week summer courses offered in Ireland provide a hybrid learning experience. The second is the Master of Arts in Education (MAED), which is highly customizable: you pick from different concentration areas (like literacy, leadership, or tech) and design your own academic path with an advisor.
The MAED program is ranked among the top 10 online master’s in education programs by U.S. News. MSU is regionally accredited; its College of Education programs are well-recognized.
4. Arizona State University (ASU)
ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College offers a versatile Online Master of Education (M.Ed.), where students pick two focal areas to tailor their degree. Options include Early Childhood, Multilingual Learners, Educational Leadership, Learning Design & Technologies, and more.
The program wraps up with an applied project, not a thesis, where you work on a real educational problem based on your chosen areas. There’s also an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership track, which pairs leadership theory with a practical externship to prepare students for roles in school systems or nonprofit education.
ASU is regionally accredited, and its education programs are highly ranked.
5. Western Governors University (WGU)
WGU’s online Master of Education programs follow a competency-based model, which lets you progress as soon as you master a skill rather than waiting for term schedules. This makes it ideal for self-driven professionals.
The Teachers College is accredited by CAEP for educator preparation, and institutional accreditation comes from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). WGU’s teacher-preparation programs are also AAQEP-accredited, ensuring strong credibility for both teaching and leadership roles.
6. Purdue University
Purdue’s online Master of Science in Engineering Education (MSENE) is aimed at professionals who want to combine STEM knowledge with education theory. It’s 30 credits and includes courses in instructional design, assessment, and policy.
The format is flexible and built for working engineers, trainers, or academic faculty; much of the teaching is asynchronous, but it includes weekly seminars. While not a traditional M.Ed., this degree is ideal for someone looking to lead or design education in engineering contexts.
Purdue is regionally accredited, and the program is part of its well-regarded engineering college.
7. San Diego State University (SDSU)
SDSU offers several fully online master’s programs for educators, including the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and the Master of Science in Education with concentrations in curriculum development and educational leadership.
The MAT program is designed for those seeking teaching credentials, while the MS in Education focuses on professional growth for current teachers and administrators. Courses are delivered online with asynchronous lectures and discussion boards, allowing you to study around your work schedule.
SDSU is regionally accredited, and its College of Education holds strong state and national recognition.
8. University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG)
UNCG’s online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs are designed for both aspiring teachers and experienced educators seeking leadership roles.
Programs include concentrations in curriculum and instruction, instructional technology, and special education. Courses are delivered fully online with flexible scheduling, and many allow educators to continue working while earning their degree.
UNCG has grown in prominence in national rankings, placing highly in the 2025 U.S. News Best Online Master’s in Education list. UNCG is regionally accredited, and its College of Education programs meet rigorous professional standards.
9. University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
UTA offers a fully online Master of Education (M.Ed.) with multiple specializations, including Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, and Special Education. The programs are structured to allow working educators to continue teaching while completing their degree.
Courses are delivered asynchronously with some cohort-based elements to promote collaboration. UTA’s College of Education ranks No. 15 nationally for online master’s in education programs, reflecting both quality and student outcomes.
UTA is regionally accredited, and its education programs are recognized for professional teacher preparation.
10. Kennesaw State University (KSU)
KSU provides online master’s programs designed for working teachers, including the M.Ed. in Instructional Technology, Early Childhood Education, and Educational Leadership. Students benefit from flexible, fully online course delivery and practical assignments that can be applied directly in the classroom.
KSU is noted for providing strong value and relevant skills for educators, making it a practical choice among top online programs. Research.com also lists KSU among the most valuable online Master’s in Education programs for 2024.
KSU is regionally accredited, and its College of Education holds recognized accreditation in professional teacher preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master’s in Education
What kinds of jobs can I get after earning an online Master’s in Education?
Earning an online M.Ed. opens up a variety of career paths. You could become a school principal or administrator, lead curriculum development as an instructional coordinator, or work as a policy analyst in education. Many also move into roles outside traditional schools, like corporate training, educational consulting, or instructional design.
Will getting a master’s in education really help me earn more?
Yes, it often does. With a master’s, teachers can reach higher pay scales, especially in districts that reward advanced degrees. Also, roles like educational leadership, school administration, and training management typically offer significantly higher salaries compared to classroom teaching.
Can I use an online M.Ed. for leadership or administrative roles?
Absolutely. Many online education master’s programs include tracks in educational leadership, administration, or policy. Graduates commonly take up roles such as school principals, academic coordinators, or leaders in nonprofit or corporate education settings.
What are some non-teaching careers for someone with a Master’s in Education?
With a master’s in education, you aren’t limited to classroom jobs. You can become an instructional designer, creating digital learning experiences, or work in corporate training. Other options include being a policy analyst, an education consultant, or working in higher education, such as student life or enrollment management.
If I don’t currently teach, is an online M.Ed. still useful for me?
Yes, many online M.Ed. programs are designed for both current educators and career changers. Even if you don’t plan to teach, a master’s in education can prepare you for roles in educational leadership, consulting, or organizational development in schools, nonprofits, or corporations.